Capacity indicia for absorbent articles

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are indicia for use in conjunction with the core of an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, disposable diaper, or adult incontinence product. The indicia are absorbent or liquid pervious to obviate reduction in the target area for loading of the absorbent core of such product. The indicia provide a means for visually indicating to the wearer incipient failure of the core when the capacity of the core may be exceeded by lateral migration of liquids deposited on the absorbent core. The indicia may be separate or integral relative to the absorbent core.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 07/539,779, filed on Jun. 18,1990, now abandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a means for indicating when an absorbentcore is loaded to a level such that its capacity may be exceeded, andalerting the wearer or caretaker to the potential failure of theabsorbent core upon additional loading. More particularly, thisinvention is directed to indicia which visually indicate when thecapacity of an absorbent core used to collect and contain bodilydischarges is about to be exceeded.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent cores used to collect and contain bodily discharges are wellknown in the art. Absorbent cores are used in conjunction withdisposable absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, disposablediapers, and multi-component adult incontinence garments to collect andcontain such discharges, which are typically liquid. Such articles maybe disposable, reusable, integral, releasable and intended for wear byinfants or adults.

The wearer of any articles utilizing an absorbent core, or the caretakerof a wearer, may become frustrated or irritated if the capacity of theabsorbent core is exceeded, i.e., loading beyond that which can beabsorbed by the core occurs and the core fails, i.e., bodily dischargesare not contained by the core. Such discharges may run off the core andbe transported outside the boundaries of the sanitary napkin, diaper,adult incontinence garment, or other absorbent article, and may soil theclothing or bedding of the wearer.

Typically, the total capacity of an absorbent core is not utilized priorto failure occurring and the core is theoretically able to collect andcontain additional loadings of discharges when failure occurs. Failureoften occurs because of lateral migration of deposited liquid bodilydischarges. The discharges deposited on the absorbent core may laterallymigrate to either longitudinal side margin of the absorbent core,particularly if such discharges are not deposited coincident with (oreven near) the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent core. Uponfailure, further loading of discharges does not penetrate the core andbecome absorbed thereby, but rather becomes run-off and breaches thelongitudinal side margins of the article which utilizes such a core.

Several attempts have been made in the art to guard the longitudinalside margins of absorbent articles from lateral run-off of depositedliquids. For example, some sanitary napkins have been provided withliquid impervious partitions which overlay the core. Such liquidimpervious partitions may be interposed between the absorbent core andthe topsheet or may overlay the topsheet. In either embodiment, however,the partitions reduce the effective target area of the absorbent core.This occurs due to liquids deposited on the partitions usually do notpenetrate to the core. Instead, the liquids deposited onto thepartitions run, along the outside of the partitions, through and pastthe longitudinal side margins of the absorbent core, and breaches theabsorbent article associated with the absorbent core.

Another attempt in the art to notify the wearer or caretaker that anabsorbent garment is nearing its capacity and ready to be changed is awetness indicator. A wetness indicator, such as the type disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 4,231,370 issued Nov. 4, 1980 to Mroz et al., typicallyreacts to the pH of discharged bodily fluids by changing color. However,such wetness indicators are typically applied to the inwardly orientedface of a transparent backsheet and do not react to notify the wearer orcaretaker of loading, unless the core is loaded substantially throughoutits thickness. Thus, discharged body fluids which are not absorbed intothe thickness of the core will fail to register with a wetness indicatoron or adjacent the face of the absorbent core opposed to the wearer.Also, such wetness indicators impose opacity limitations on theselection of the backsheet material.

Typically, the absorbent core of such articles is rectangularly shaped,for ease of manufacturing. However, there is frequently a wearerpreference for an absorbent core which is narrower at the center than atthe ends, to comfortably accommodate the legs, and obviate or minimizeoccurrences of bunching or wadding of the core. Such wearer preferenceis more frequently encountered when the absorbent core is utilized inconjunction with a sanitary napkin.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an absorbentcore and a means for indicating the incipiency of a frequent mode offailure, i.e. lateral run-off from the absorbent core, is about tooccur. It is also an object of this invention to provide a means forvisually indicating when the capacity of an absorbent core is about tobe exceeded. It is further an object of this invention to visuallyindicate incipient failure of the core without reducing its target area.Finally, it is an object of this invention to provide visuallydiscernible indicia which enhance the apparent shape of the absorbentcore to the wearer.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a disposable absorbent article, such asa diaper, sanitary napkin, or adult incontinence product. The disposableabsorbent article has a longitudinal centerline, and two longitudinalside margins and comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquidimpervious backsheet at least partially peripherally joined to thetopsheet, an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet, anda liquid pervious, preferably absorbent, means for visually indicatingwhen absorbed liquid has approached the longitudinal side margins of thedisposable absorbent article.

The liquid pervious or absorbent means for indicating the approach ofliquids to the longitudinal side margins of the article may oomprise twovisually discernible indicia, with one indicium being disposed alongeach longitudinal side margin of the absorbent article. The indicia maybe parallel the longitudinal centerline or may be concave towards thelongitudinal centerline. The indicia may comprise a partition betweenthe core and the topsheet or a dye applied to the topsheet, backsheet,or core, or may be separate strips outboard of the core, may represent adifference in apparent elevation between the core and the indicia.

The indicia may be separate from or integral with the absorbent core.The indicia may be the same color as the absorbent core or may contrastin color with the absorbent core. The indicia may be of the samethickness as the absorbent core or be of a different thickness than theabsorbent core.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the Specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed theinvention will be better understood from the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like componentsare designated by the same reference numeral, analogous articles aredesignated with a prime symbol, and:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view, shown partially in cutaway, of a sanitarynapkin according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1showing a continuous partition type of indicia between the core and thebacksheet;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a sanitary napkin according to the presentinvention having flaps;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of FIG. 3, illustrating a differentindicium attachment for each flap;

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of a sanitary napkin according tothe present invention having an absorbent core and indicia of differingelevations.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a diaper having discrete separate indicialaterally outboard of the core; and

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the indicia 46 may comprise any means forindicating when the absorbent article is approaching its capacity, andalerts the wearer, or the caretaker, to the need for removing thedisposable absorbent article before significant additional loadingoccurs. Any means for visually indicating to the user when the loadingis approaching the lateral side margins 32 of the core 26 is suitable.

Preferably, the indicia 46 are absorbent, so that the target area of thecore 26 is not reduced. However, indicia 46 which are liquid perviousand allow liquids deposited on top of the indicia 46 to penetratetherethrough to the absorbent core 26 are suitable.

Components, such as indicia 46, are considered "liquid pervious" if suchcomponents allow liquids to pass therethrough without significantlyretarding or obstructing the transmission of such liquids therethrough.Components are considered "absorbent" if such components not onlytransmit such liquids, but also can retain a portion of the liquidsdeposited on such components. Thus it will be apparent that allabsorbent components are liquid pervious, but not all liquid perviouscomponents are absorbent.

Any indicia 46 which are readily visually distinguishable from the core26 are suitable, so long as there is no significant obstruction to thetransmission of liquids deposited thereon to the absorbent core 26. Ifthe indicia 46 are not liquid pervious or are not absorbent, depositedliquids may laterally transport to the longitudinal side margins 30,whereupon failure and exposure to the clothing or bedding may occur.

Preferably, the indicia 46 are shaped convex towards the longitudinalcenterline 34. This arrangement provides the advantage that the indicia46 will present a shaped appearance even when used with a rectangularlyshaped absorbent core 26. Thus, the disposable article, sanitary napkin20, diaper 20', or adult incontinence product may have both the benefitsof a rectangularly shaped core 26 for ease of manufacturing and thebenefits of a tapered appearance as the lateral centerline isapproximated to meet consumer preferences. However, the indicia 46, ifdesired, may be straight or concave towards the longitudinal centerline34.

If desired, the indicia 46 may be visually or tactilely discernible fromthe absorbent core 26. Preferably the indicia 46 are visuallydiscernible from the absorbent core 26 through a differing, contrastingcolor. Typically the absorbent core 26 of most articles is white.Indicia 46 which are pastel colored, yet darker than the typical fluff,cellulose fiber-AGM absorbent core 26 material is suitable. The indicia46 should be visually discernible through any topsheet 22 which may beutilized in conjunction with the absorbent core 26. When the absorbentcore 26 becomes loaded, it may appear somewhat darker than when it isunused. The indicia 46 should contrast sufficiently with the absorbentcore 26 under heavily loaded conditions, so that even under suchconditions the user or caretaker can tell the capacity of the absorbentcore 26 is being approached. The indicia 46 may present a differenttopography or may contrast in other manners detectable by the wearer orcaretaker.

Referring to FIG. 1, in one execution, the invention comprises adisposable absorbent article, particularly a sanitary napkin 20. Thesanitary napkin 20 is used to collect vaginal discharges, such asmenses, and prevent soiling of the wearer's clothing by such discharges.The sanitary napkin 20 features a liquid pervious topsheet 22, a liquidimpervious backsheet 24, an absorbent core 26 intermediate the topsheet22 and the backsheet 24. The perimeter of the sanitary napkin 20 isdefined by two longitudinal side margins 30 and two lateral side margins32. The sanitary napkin 20 has the indicia 46 disposed along, adjacentor juxtaposed with each longitudinal side margin 30 for visuallyindicating when the absorbent core 26 is nearly fully loaded.

Referring to FIG. 3, the sanitary napkin 20 may have at least one flap28 extending from a longitudinal side margin 30 of the sanitary napkin20, and preferably two symmetrically opposite flaps 28, one extendingfrom each longitudinal side margin 30 of the sanitary napkin 20. Thesanitary napkin 20 may have means, such as adhesive, for releasablyaffixing the sanitary napkin 20 to the undergarment of a wearer.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the sanitary napkin 20 and absorbent core 26have a longitudinal centerline 34 which conceptually divides thesanitary napkin 20 into two substantially symmetrically opposite halves.As used herein the term "longitudinal" refers to an imaginary line, axisor direction of the absorbent core 26, which line, axis or direction istypically centered between the longitudinal side margins 30 of theabsorbent core 26 and is generally aligned with the vertical plane whichbisects a standing wearer into left and right body halves. The term"lateral" refers to an imaginary line, axis or direction generallyorthogonal the longitudinal direction, within the plane of the absorbentcore 26, and is generally sideways aligned relative to the wearer.

Examining the components of this execution of the invention in moredetail with continuing reference to FIG. 1, the topsheet 22 is thecomponent of the garment which is oriented towards and contacts the bodyof the wearer, and receives bodily discharges. The topsheet 22 is liquidpervious and should be flexible and nonirritating to the skin. As usedherein the term "flexible" refers to materials which are compliant andreadily conform to the shape of the body or respond by easily deformingin the presence of external forces. Preferably the topsheet 22 is notnoisy, to provide discretion for the wearer. The topsheet 22 should besanitary, clean in appearance and somewhat opaque to hide the bodilydischarges collected in and absorbed by the core 26.

The topsheet 22 should further exhibit good strikethrough and rewetcharacteristics, permitting bodily discharges to rapidly penetrate thetopsheet 22 to the core 26, but not flow back through the topsheet 22 tothe skin of the wearer. Suitable topsheets 22 may be made from nonwovenmaterials or perforated polyolefinic films.

The topsheet 22 has a plurality of apertures to permit liquids depositedthereon to pass through to the core 26. Such apertures may, but neednot, be present in the flaps 28. An apertured polyolefinic film topsheet22 having about 5 to about 60 percent open area, typically about 25percent open area, and a thickness of about 0.01 to about 0.05millimeters prior to aperturing and about 0.42 to about 0.51 millimetersafter aperturing is suitable.

If desired, the topsheet 22 may be sprayed with a surfactant to enhanceliquid penetration to the core 26. The surfactant is typically nonionicand should be nonirritating to the skin. A surfactant density of about0.01 milligrams per square centimeter of topsheet 22 area is suitable. Asuitable surfactant is sold by the Glyco Chemical, Inc. of Greenwich,Connecticut as Pegosperse 200 ML.

A particularly suitable topsheet 22 may be made in accordance with U.S.Pat. No. 4,342,314 issued Aug. 3, 1982 to Radel et al. and U.S. Pat. No.4,463,045 issued Jul. 31, 1984 to Ahr et al., which patents areincorporated herein by reference for the purpose of disclosingparticularly preferred executions of liquid pervious topsheets. Atopsheet 22 made of model X-3265 or model P1552 apertured formed filmsold by the Tredegar Corporation of Terre Haute, Indiana has been foundto work well.

The backsheet 24 may be any flexible, liquid resistant, preferablyliquid impervious material, such as a polyolefinic film. The backsheet24 prevents discharges collected by and contained in the sanitary napkin20, and particularly discharges absorbed by the core 26, from escapingthe sanitary napkin 20 and soiling the clothing and bedding of thewearer. Preferably the backsheet 24 is not noisy, to provide discretionfor the wearer.

The backsheet 24 may also be impervious to malodorous gases generated byabsorbed bodily discharges, so that the malodors do not escape andbecome noticed by the wearer. A low density polyethylene backsheet 24about 0.01 to about 0.08 millimeters in thickness, preferably about 0.05millimeters in thickness, has been found to work well. A polyethylenefilm, such as is sold by the Tredegar Corporation of Terre Haute,Indiana, under model X-813 has been found particularly well suited forthe backsheet 24.

Further, the backsheet 24 may be made of a soft clothlike material whichis hydrophobic relative to the topsheet 22, e.g., a polyester orpolyolefinic fiber backsheet 24 works well. A particularly preferredsoft, clothlike backsheet 24 material is a laminate of a polyesternonwoven material lamina and a film such as described in U.S. Pat. No.4,476,180 issued Oct. 9, 1984 to Wnuk.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the backsheet 24 is slightlylarger than the topsheet 22 and the intermediate absorbent core 26. Insuch an embodiment, the topsheet 22 and intermediate absorbent core 26are peripherally circumscribed by the backsheet 24 which has a radialmargin of about 0.5 centimeters to about 1.5 centimeters, preferablyabout 1.0 centimeter, from the side margins of the topsheet 22. Thisgeometry provides a marginal area of protection should the core 26become overloaded or the sanitary napkin 20 otherwise fail. In such anembodiment the backsheet 24 and flaps 28 are preferably unitary andcoextensive.

The topsheet 22 and the backsheet 24 are preferentially peripherallyjoined using known techniques, either entirely so that the entireperimeter of the sanitary napkin 20 is circumscribed by such joinder orare partially peripherally joined at the perimeter. The term "joined"refers to the condition where a first member or component is affixed, orconnected, to a second member or component either directly; orindirectly, where the first member or component is affixed, orconnected, to an intermediate member or component which in turn isaffixed, or connected, to the second member or component. The joinedcondition between the first member, or component, and the second member,or component, is intended to remain for the life of the sanitary napkin20. Conversely, components are considered "removably affixed" if thecomponents may be detached and separated from each other withoutdestruction or unintended gross deformation of either.

Any joined arrangement that provides for capture of the core 26intermediate the topsheet 22 and the backsheet 24 and a unitary assemblyis suitable. Such an assembly has two mutually opposed major faces, onedefined by the topsheet 22 and one defined by the backsheet 24.

The outwardly oriented face of the backsheet 24 may further comprisemeans for attaching the sanitary napkin 20 to the undergarment of thewearer. Pressure sensitive adhesive has been commonly found to work wellfor this purpose. Preferably a strip of longitudinally oriented adhesiveprovides good protection against either the front or the back of thesanitary napkin 20 becoming detached from the wearer's undergarment. Theadhesive strip may be continuous or intermittent. A particularlypreferred arrangement utilizes two longitudinally oriented strips, oneon each side of the longitudinal centerline 34.

The absorbent core 26 is the means for collecting and containing bodilydischarges, particularly menses, deposited thereon or which otherwisetraverses through the liquid permeable topsheet 22. The core 26 is thecomponent of the sanitary napkin 20 which receives and retains thebodily discharges. The core 26 is conformable and nonirritating to theskin. The core 26 may be rectangularly or hourglass shaped. Theperimeter of the absorbent core 26 is defined by two longitudinal sideedges and two lateral side edges, which are aligned with thelongitudinal and lateral side margins 30 and 32 of the sanitary napkin20 respectively. The core 26 preferably has two opposed faces, oneoriented towards the backsheet 24 and one oriented towards the topsheet22 and is generally planar, i.e. does not have significant variations inthickness or isolated macroscopic voids.

Suitable materials for the core 26 include combinations of airfelt, suchas cellulose wadding, and fibrated communition pulp; layers of tissuepaper; and absorbent gelling materials. If a tissue paper core 26 isselected, tissue paper made in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 4,191,609issued Mar. 4, 1980 to Trokhan and incorporated herein by reference toshow a particularly preferred tissue paper core construction for thesanitary napkin 20 described herein. If it is desired to incorporateabsorbent gelling materials into the core 26 of the sanitary napkin 20,absorbent gelling materials made in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. Re.32,649 issued Apr. 19, 1988 to Brandt et al., and incorporated herein byreference for showing particularly preferred absorbent gellingmaterials, are suitable. A suitable laminate of absorbent gellingmaterials and tissue may be purchased from the Grain ProcessingCorporation of Muscatine, Iowa under Model Number L535.

The core 26 need not have a total absorbent capacity much greater thanthe total amount of bodily discharges to be absorbed. The core 26 ispreferably narrow and thin, to be comfortable to the wearer. For theembodiment described herein the capacity of the core 26 should be atleast about 2 grams of 0.9 percent saline solution. Suitable salinesolution is sold by Travenol Laboratories of Deerfield, Illinois.

The core 26 should be sized to register with the topsheet 22 andbacksheet 24. For ease of manufacturing, the absorbent core 26 should berectangularly shaped. However, the absorbent core 26 may have arcuatesides, tapering inwardly as the lateral centerline is approached toprovide a generally preferential shaped appearance. The absorbent core26 may be somewhat dog-bone or hourglass shaped to provide a generallypreferred appearance at the expense of manufacturing difficulties.Alternatively, such an appearance may be provided by indicia 46 whichare concave towards the longitudinal centerline 34 and overlay the core26. The core 26 is preferably interposed between the topsheet 22 andbacksheet 24 to prevent the absorbent material of the core 26 fromshredding or becoming detached while the sanitary napkin 20 is worn andto ensure proper containment of bodily discharges. This arrangement alsohelps to provide for a unitary assembly.

The sanitary napkin 20 execution of this invention preferably has acaliper of less than about 4 millimeters and more preferably less thanabout 6 millimeters (0.24 inches), as more measured with a comparatorgage having an approximately 80.0 gram test weight, an approximately10.0 gram comparator foot having a of about 2.54 centimeters and acontact surface area of approximately 5.1 square centimeters. Also, thesanitary napkin 20 of the present invention should have a topsheet 22surface area of at least about 100 square centimeters to preventdischarged liquids from missing the target area.

The core 26 is preferentially joined to the topsheet 22, and may bejoined to the backsheet 24. Joining is preferentially accomplished byadhesive bonding the core 26 to the topsheet 22 or the backsheet 24.Such adhesive (not shown) may be applied in any suitable spray pattern,such as a spiral or longitudinally oriented beads. The adhesive shouldbe surfactant resistant and of low pressure sensitivity, so as not tostick to the skin of the wearer.

Referring to FIG. 3, the sanitary napkin 20 may also comprise a flap 28extending from a longitudinal side margin 30 of the sanitary napkin 20,and preferably one flap 28 extending from each longitudinal side margin30 of the sanitary napkin 20. The flaps 28 have a proximal end 36 whichis typically coincident with the juncture of attachment of the flap 28to the longitudinal side margin 30 of the sanitary napkin 20 or,alternatively, the proximal end 36 of the flap 28 may be joined to thesanitary napkin 20 at any other location juxtaposed with thelongitudinal side margin 30. The flaps 28 extend laterally outwardlyfrom the sanitary napkin 20 and terminate at a distal end 38 whichrepresents the point of the flap 28 furthest from the longitudinal axis34 of the sanitary napkin 20.

The flaps 28 may be of any shape desired, with one preferred shape beingshown in FIG. 3. The flaps 28 are preferably made in accordance with theteachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,589,876 issued May 20, 1986 to Van Tilburgand 4,687,478 issued Aug. 18, 1987 to Van Tilburg.

The flaps 28 are laterally outboard of the longitudinal centerline 34and central portion of the sanitary napkin 20. As used herein the phrase"central portion" refers to that part of the sanitary napkin 20intermediate, particularly laterally intermediate, and defined by theproximal ends 36 of the flaps 28.

The flaps 28 may be comprised of an integral and contiguous extension ofthe topsheet 22, the backsheet 24, or a laminate of both. Alternatively,the flaps 28 may be made of a separate and independent piece of materialjoined to the longitudinal side margin 30 of the sanitary napkin 20.

Each flap 28 has one face generally coextensive of the topsheet 22 and amutually opposed face which may be generally coextensive of thebacksheet 24. Faces are considered to be coextensive of the topsheet 22or backsheet 24 if a line having a lateral component can be drawn fromthe central portion of the topsheet 22 or the backsheet 24 respectively,crosses a side margin 30 or 32 at the perimeter of the sanitary napkin20, and intercepts such face.

The flaps 28 preferably have a means for attaching one face of the flap28 to the wearer's undergarment or to the other flap 28. The attachmentmeans may be pressure sensitive adhesive. If pressure sensitive adhesiveis selected, it should be disposed on the face of the flap 28 generallycoextensive of the backsheet 24 so that when the flaps 28 are wrappedaround the crotch portion of the wearer's undergarment, the adhesivewill contact rectangular patch of adhesive on each flap 28, about 25millimeters ×20 millimeters in size works well. Suitable pressuresensitive adhesive is sold by the Anchor Continental, Inc., 3 SigmaDivision of Covington, Ohio as 0.02 millimeter pass with CenturyAdhesive A305-4.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment the indicia 46 may comprisepartitions 46. The partitions 46, like the absorbent core 26, arepreferably interposed between, and laterally bounded by, the topsheet 22and the backsheet 24. However, if the topsheet 22 and absorbent core 26are laterally narrower than the backsheet 24, the indicia 46 need not bebetween the topsheet 22 and the core 26, but rather may be outside thetopsheet 22, and, if desired, incorporated into the backsheet 24.Alternatively, the indicia 46 may be separate, dedicated components ofthe disposable absorbent garment 20. The indicia 46 are disposed alongand oriented with the longitudinal side margins 30 of the sanitarynapkin 20, and more preferably are adjacent the longitudinal edges ofthe absorbent core 26.

Examining the indicia 46 in more detail, the partitions 46 are made ofmaterials which are absorbent or liquid pervious, and are interposedbetween the topsheet 22 and the absorbent core 26. The two partitions 46may be integral, unitary, and connected to each other as an integralmember disposed between the absorbent core 26 and the backsheet 24. Thepartitions 46 should be generally thin, so significant bulk and anonuniform or nonplanar surface is not presented through the topsheet22. If desired, the partitions 46 may be treated with a surfactant topromote liquid transmission through the partitions 46 to the absorbentcore 26.

Suitable materials for the partitions 46 include tissue, nonwovenfabrics, and apertured formed films. A particularly preferred materialfor the partitions 46 is tissue having a basis weight of about 2.3×10⁻³kilograms per square meter (14 pounds per 3,000 square feet) and madeaccording to the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 3,301,746 issued Jan. 31,1967 to Sanford et al., which patent is incorporated herein by referencefor the purpose of disclosing a particularly preferred partition 46material. It is to be recognized by one skilled in the art that if thepartitions 46 are made of tissue or other absorbent material, the totalcapacity of the absorbent article 20 is slightly increased. However, ifthe partition is liquid pervious, such as formed films, no significantaddition to the capacity of the absorbent article 20 occurs.

If desired, the partitions 46 may be incorporated into the flaps 28 of asanitary napkin 20, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Utilizing thisarrangement, the partitions 46 may be used in various designs to imparta shaped appearance to the absorbent core 26 of the sanitary napkin 20.

The partitions 46 may be juxtaposed with and joined, as shown, to thelongitudinal side margins 30 of the sanitary napkin 20 adjacent theoutboard edges of the absorbent core 26. More particulartly, asillustrated in the left-hand side of FIG. 4, the partitions 46 may bejoined to either the absorbent core 26, backsheet 24, or may be joinedto and incorporated into the flap 28, as illustrated in the right-handside of FIG. 4.

If the partition 46 is interposed between the topsheet 22 and backsheet24 of the flap 28, the partition 46 may be joined to either or both ofthe topsheet 22 and backsheet 24. Alternatively, the partition 46 maywrap the absorbent core 26, and be interposed between the absorbent core26 and the backsheet 24. This is a configuration similar to that of FIG.2, and in such configuration the partition 46 may be joined to either orboth of the absorbent core 26 and the backsheet 24.

If desired, the indicia 46 may be integral with either the topsheet 22,the backsheet 24, or the absorbent core 26. This may be accomplished byprinting the indicia 46 onto the inwardly facing surface of either thetopsheet 22, of the backsheet 24, or upon either major surface of theabsorbent core 26. It is, however, generally preferred that the indicia46 not be printed onto the backsheet 24 or the face of the absorbentcore 26 oriented towards the backsheet 24, so that the indicia 46 may bemore easily seen through the topsheet 22 and not blocked or obscured bythe absorbent core 26, particularly if a light or pastel colored indicia46 is selected.

The indicia 46 may be printed in any pattern desired, with theaforementioned and aforeillustrated design which is convex towards thelongitudinal centerline 34 being generally preferred. Printed indicia 46may be used with either the flapped sanitary napkin 20 of FIGS. 3 and 4,a sanitary napkin 20 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 without flaps 28, orother absorbent articles as hereinafter discussed. The indicia 46 may beprinted onto any of the aforementioned components of the sanitary napkin20 by a gravure system as is well known in the art and may be printedusing inks or dyes. A particularly preferred material for the printedindicia 46 is Pontamine Fast Scarlet 48 liquid dye sold by the MobayChemical Corporation of Union, New Jersey.

If it is desired, the discrete indicia 46 and the absorbent core 26 maybe of the same color. For example, referring to FIG. 5, the indicia 46and the absorbent core 26 may be of a different thickness presenting anappearance to the user of a significant change in elevation.Alternatively, the indicia 46 may not have a significant difference inelevation than the absorbent core 26 but may merely present a roughenedtexture or coarser topography to the user. If a difference in elevationis selected for the indicia 46, this structure may be accomplished byproviding indicia 46 and an absorbent core 26 of different thicknesses.Preferably, the indicia 46 are of lesser density than the absorbent core26. Therefore, generally the indicia 46 are thicker than the absorbentcore 26, so that the indicia 46 may be formed, for example, by runningthe core 26 through a nip which compresses the core 26 to the desiredthickness differential leaving indicia 46 in the uncompressed areas.This density difference prevents rapid wicking of loading through theindicia 46 and obviates rapid failure of the sanitary napkin 20 fromoccurring.

While the structure generally opposite that illustrated in FIG. 5 isfeasible, i.e., an absorbent core 26 which is thicker than the indicia46, such a structure is generally less preferred because typically theindicia 46 of such a structure will be of a higher density than theabsorbent core 26. This structure presents the undesirable property thatloading which has laterally migrated to the indicia 46 will generallyrapidly penetrate the indicia 46 and cause failure of the sanitarynapkin 20 before the wearer or caretaker becomes aware that the loadinghas reached the indicia 46.

If desired, the indicia 46 and the absorbent core 26 may be used inconjunction with absorbent articles other than sanitary napkins 20. Forexample and referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the claimed means 46 foralerting a wearer or caretaker to the incipient failure of an absorbentcore 26 may be advantageously used in an execution of a disposablediaper 20'. Such a diaper 20' has a topsheet 22, backsheet 24, andabsorbent core 26 generally in accord with those described above.However, the diaper 20' is shaped to be worn about the hips and lowertorso of a wearer. Further, the disposable diaper 20' typicallycomprises a means for maintaining such a wearing arrangement about thehips and lower torso of a wearer. Adhesive tapes 50 have long beenadvantageously used for this purpose. Adhesive tapes 50 made inaccordance with commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3,848,594 issued Nov.19, 1974 to Buell, which patent is incorporated herein by reference forthe purpose of showing a particularly preferred adhesive tape 50structure, are suitable. Generally, a disposable diaper may be made inaccordance with commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 issued Jan.14, 1975 to Buell is preferred, which patent is incorporated herein byreference for the purpose of showing a particularly suitable and wellknown method of constructing a disposable diaper 20'.

Referring to FIG. 6, if desired, the indicia 46 and absorbent core 26may be discrete, separate components. This may be accomplished byproviding indicia 46 of a thickness generally equivalent that of theabsorbent core 26 and disposing an indicium 46 laterally outboard of theabsorbent core 26. Each indicium 46 may be joined to the backsheet 24,the topsheet 22, or the longitudinal side margins 30 of the absorbentcore 26, any combination thereof, or may be merely juxtaposed with thelongitudinal side margins 30 of the absorbent core 26.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, any arrangement in which the indicia 46 arelaterally outboard of the core 26 and the wearer or caretaker canvisually detect the presence of loading at the indicia 46 prior to theperimeter of the absorbent article 20 being reached by such loading issuitable. The indicia 46 may be of substantially the same color as theabsorbent core 26, or preferably, contrast in color with the absorbentcore 26.

Suitable materials for separate indicia 46 include cellulose fluff,similar to that used for the absorbent core 26, 28 grams per squaremeter (17 pounds per 3,000 square feet) basis weight tissue manufacturedaccording to U.S. Pat. No. 3,301,746 issued Jan. 31, 1967 to Sanford etal. and 24 or 52 grams per square square meter (15 or 32 pounds per3,000 square feet) basis weight Spec 10 tissue manufactured by the JamesRiver Corporation of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Preferably separate indicia46 do not have AGM so that the principal absorbent capacity of thediaper 20' remains laterally centered.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that any of the foregoingillustrated indicia 46 may likewise be advantageously used in anexecution of an adult incontinence product (not shown). Several adultincontinence products are well known in the art and comprise two-pieceand multicomponent systems having detachable belts, briefs, and otherforms of undergarments. Adult incontinence products may be made byappropriately scaling the aforementioned infant diapers 20' or may bemade according to the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. B1 4,490,148 issuedNov. 18, 1986 to Beckestrom, which patent is incorporated herein byreference for the purpose of disclosing an alternate embodiment of anadult incontinence product. The claimed indicia 46 may be used in anysuch execution.

If the indicia 46 are not a separate element, but rather areincorporated into the backsheet 24, as described above, the indicia.46may either differ in color from the topsheet 22 or may present adifferent appearance to the wearer or caretaker through a topography ortexture difference.

Such a color, topographical, or texture difference may be accomplishedby providing a backsheet 24 which is of a substantially differentmaterial than the topsheet 22. For example, the backsheet 24 may be madeof a nonwoven material instead of the aforementioned polyolefinic film.A liquid impervious laminate of a nonwoven material, such as SontaraStyle 8407 material, sold by the DuPont Company of Wilmington, Delaware,has been found sufficiently discernible from the aforementioned formedfilm topsheet 22 to allow approaching absorbed bodily fluid to be easilyvisually detected. The indicia 46 are formed by providing longitudinallyoriented strips of the different backsheet 24 material laterallyoutboard of the absorbent core 26 and outside of the topsheet 22.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various combinationsand permutations of the foregoing indicia 46 are feasible. For example,an absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper 20', sanitary napkin20, or adult incontinence product, may have both the partitions 46 and acore 26 with indicia 46 of a different topography or texture than thatof the absorbent core 26. It will be apparent to one skilled in the artthat various other combinations are feasible, all of which are withinthe scope of the claimed invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disposable absorbent article for absorbingliquids and having a longitudinal centerline and two longitudinal sidemargins, said article comprising:a liquid pervious topsheet; a liquidimpervious backsheet joined to said topsheet; a generally planarabsorbent core positioned between said topsheet and said backsheet, saidcore having a top surface a bottom surface, and two longitudinal sideedges; and a liquid previous means for visually indicating when liquidhas approached the longitudinal side margins of said disposableabsorbent article, said means comprising two visually discernibleindicia disposed between said topsheet and said backsheet, wherein oneindicium is disposed along each said longitudinal side edge of saidabsorbent core and being in contact with and in liquid communicationwith the longitudinal side edge of said absorbent core at points locatedbetween the top surface and bottom surfac of said absorbent core.
 2. Theabsorbent article of claim 1 wherein said indicia have a differentelevation relative to said planar absorbent core, said indicia beingunfolded, and having a greater thickness than said absorbent core. 3.The absorbent article of claim 2 wherein said indicia are integral withsaid absorbent core.
 4. A disposable diaper for absorbing liquids andhaving a longitudinal centerline and two longitudinal side margins, saidarticle comprising:a liquid pervious topsheet; a liquid imperviousbacksheet joined to said topsheet; a generally planar absorbent corepositioned between said topsheet and said backsheet, said core having atop surface, a bottom surface, and two longitudinal side edges; and aliquid pervious means for visually indicating when liquid has approachedthe longitudinal side margins of said diaper, said means comprising twovisually discernible indicia disposed between said topsheet and saidbacksheet, wherein one indicium is disposed along each said longitudinalside edge of said absorbent core and being in contact with and in liquidcommunication with the longitudinal side edge of said absorbent core atpoints located between the top surface and bottom surface of saidabsorbent core.
 5. A Disposable absorbent article according to claim 4,wherein said indicia are absorbent.
 6. A disposable adult incontinenceproduct for absorbing liquids and having a longitudinal centerline andtwo longitudinal side margins, said article comprising:a liquid pervioustopsheet; a liquid impervious backsheet joined to said topsheet; agenerally planar absorbent core positioned between said topsheet andsaid backsheet, said core having a top surface, a bottom surface, andtwo longitudinal side edges; and a liquid pervious means for visuallyindicating when liquid has approached the longitudinal side margins ofsaid incontinence product, said means comprising two visuallydiscernible indicia disposed between said top sheet and said backsheet,wherein one indicium is disposed along each said longitudinal side edgeof said absorbent core and being in contact with and in liquidcommunication with the longitudinal side edge of said absorbent core atpoints located between the top surface and bottom surface of saidabsorbent core.
 7. A disposable absorbent article according to claim 6,wherein said indicia are absorbent.